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What to Watch on Tuesday: 30-for-30 relives '83 NFL draft with 'Elway to Marino'

Hart of Dixie (8pm, CW) - Brick's love life suffers after a secret about him gets out. Meanwhile, Zoe tries to share her feelings, but she has bad timing, and George looks after Tansy's reckless brothers.

30 for 30: Elway to Marino (8pm, ESPN) - A Ken Rodgers documentary chronicling the quarterback-rich 1983 NFL Draft. Hall of Famers John Elway and Dan Marino, who headed the record six QBs selected in the first round, look back on draft day events along with agent Marvin Demoff. Repeats at 9.

NCIS (8pm, CBS) - Tony and Ziva track her father's killer to Berlin and plot to avenge his death.

Frontline: The Retirement Gamble (10pm, UNC-TV) - An examination of retirement accounts, including the lack of uniformity in plans, which results in some workers paying much more than others. Also, the hidden fees that some 401(k) providers charge consumers.

Body of Proof (10pm, ABC) - After a teenage girl is murdered in a mental institution, Megan and Tommy interview a seemingly sane young patient who claims that she saw the killer and that she was the actual target.

Girl Code (10:30pm, MTV) - Crushes, roommates and drinking are among the topics discussed in the opener of this new comedy series.

ESPN doc on N.C. State's 1983 team will make you laugh, think and cry

Full disclosure: I am a proud Red-and-White-For-Life graduate of N.C. State and was at State during the final Jim Valvano years. Even so, I'm supremely confident in saying that you don't have to be an N.C. State fan, or even a basketball fan, to be moved by tonight's excellent ESPN 30-for-30 documentary, "Survive and Advance."

You only need a beating heart and a little warm blood running through your veins.

"Survive and Advance," the story of the 1983 N.C. State basketball team's unlikely march to an NCAA championship under the guidance of former coach Jim Valvano, has been described by at least one television critic as a documentary that "makes grown men cry." Well, I have it on good authority that some people don't just tear up once or twice while watching, they pretty much cry all the way through it. Jonathan Hock's documentary is an hour and 42 minutes long, and I think I had varying degrees of tear production through about an hour and 35 minutes of it.

You may try and resist -- and good luck to you -- but you won't stand chance. The eyes will sting. The film's warm and fuzzy clips of "the shot," along with Valvano joking around with his players and members of the press, or sharing inspirational memories of his father, are interspersed with more sobering moments from player Lorenzo Charles' funeral, Valvano's forced resignation from N.C. State, and the former coach's cancer diagnosis. The moments where Valvano's friend, Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, shares memories of the time they spent together during Valvano's illness and on the day Valvano died, are especially moving.

I found "Survive and Advance" an emotionally wrenching joy to watch. For every tear I cried there was just as much laughter. I especially loved the festive moments from a reunion of some of the '83 players at the Players Retreat in Raleigh, which run throughout the film (let's just say Dereck Whittenburg, who is also an executive producer of the doc, has an infectious laugh.)

Hock's film not only captures the magic of the N.C. State basketball team in that 1983 season and the magic of Valvano (yes, magic), it's a warming reminder of very different, if not simpler, times in college sports. As UNC coach Roy Williams points out early in the film, players weren't leaving after one year for the NBA, they hung around longer. "The games were better, the players were better," he says. After watching this, it's hard to argue.

Valvano famously said in his 1993 ESPY acceptance speech that "If you laugh, you think and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day."

If that's your criteria for a full day (and it's pretty good criteria), I promise that "Survive and Advance" will complete your day.

****
"Survive and Advance" airs Sunday night at 9 p.m. on ESPN. (Look for repeats on ESPN2 at midnight and at 2 am tonight; on March 22 at 2 a.m. and 8 p.m.; and on March 24 at 6 a.m.)

What to Watch on Sunday: 'Girls' season finale and ESPN doc on State's '83 team

ACC Tournament (12:30pm, WRAL) - The ACC Championship game from Greensboro.

Amazing Race 22 (8pm, CBS) - Keep following Bates Battaglia and his brother Anthony as the race continues in Hanoi. Adrienne will have a recap tomorrow.

The Bible (8pm, History) - The Jews are enslaved in Babylon, Mary is told she will bear a child, and Jesus is born.

Girls (9pm, HBO) - In the Season 2 finale, Hannah (Lena Dunham, right) attempts to write her book in one day so her publisher doesn't sue her. Meanwhile, Ray tries to impress Shoshanna with a bold career move, and Marnie gets the wrong idea about Charlie.

30-for-30: Survive and Advance (9pm, ESPN) - An amazing documentary by Jonathan Hock about N.C. State's improbable run for the national title in 1983. Derrick Whittenburg and the late Jim Valvano shine in this movie, which should be sponsored by Kleenex. This is a must-see. Here's my review of "Survive and Advance."

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - Alicia and Will are hindered at a coroner's request by a strict rule that only allows them to ask three questions per witness. Also, Cary's father returns and brings new business to the firm.

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - With the governor busy pursuing a runaway dissenter, a traitor looks to sabotage his impending plans.

Revenge (9pm, ABC) - Victoria and Conrad start a charity in Amanda's honor, but Jack doesn't fall for their good will charade. Elsewhere, Emily must worry about her past possibly coming to light once again.

Army Wives (9pm, Lifetime) - The tribe comes together to say goodbye to a loved one.

Oprah's Master Class (10pm, OWN) - Journalist Tom Brokaw reflects on his life and career, including his experience dropping out of college, the major stories he has covered, and the challenges he faced on September 11, 2001.

What to Watch on Saturday: Christmas flicks, Bo Jackson and the Heisman

Frosty the Snowman (8pm, CBS) - Another "Frosty" showing, followed at 8:30 by "Frosty Returns" and at 9 by "The Flight Before Christmas."

Heisman Trophy Presentation (8pm, ESPN) - The 78th ceremony in New York City honors college football's most outstanding player. The finalists include Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein, and Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o.

Come Dance with Me (8pm, Hallmark) - An investor (Andrew McCarthy) takes dance lessons in hopes of impressing his boss -- and potential father-in-law -- at a swanky party. But, this being a Hallmark movie, he falls for his dance instructor and has to make a tough decision.

The American Giving Awards (8pm, NBC) - Joel McHale, perhaps the snarkiest man alive, hosts this gala paying tribute to community champions and five U.S. charities. A total of $2 million will be granted to five charitable organizations.

Holly's Holiday (8pm, Lifetime) - A lifetime movie about a handsome mannequin in a Christmas window display that comes to life and becomes the man of an advertising executive's dreams. Unfortunately, even though he's gorgeous, his personality remains a bit lifeless.

30 for 30: You Don't Know Bo (9pm, ESPN) - A documentary about professional football and baseball player Bo Jackson, directed by Michael Bonfiglio.

The 12 Disasters of Christmas (9pm, Syfy) - In this movie, a teenagers enlists the help of her father in order to prevent the end of the world after a number of strange occurrences strike her hometown.

Gary Gulman: In This Economy (10pm, Comedy Central) - Comedian Gary Gulman performs stand-up in Boston. His topics include the financial crisis, renting movies, and a conversation between Donald Trump and Bill Gates.

ESPN Classic becomes weekend home of acclaimed sports documentaries

Starting this Friday, ESPN Classic will make terrific use of the network's critically acclaimed '30 For 30' documentary series and become the weekend destination for fans of sports films.

For the new format's inaugural weekend, ESPN Classic will highlight -- with multiple showings throughout the weekend -- the '30 For 30' docs 'June 17th, 1994' (about how the OJ Simpson Bronco chase overshadowed a big NBA game) and 'Without Bias' (about basketball star Len Bias). Related to these docs, they will air the actual New York Knicks vs. Houston Rockets game discussed in 'June 17th, 1994,' and a University of Maryland vs. University of North Carolina game featuring Len Bias.

"Marion Jones: Press Pause": Her story told her way

There are many spectacular/sad falls in sports history, and truth be told, the story of Marion Jones may not be in the top 10.

But her public collapse did resonate, probably because she was so adamant in her denial, and she seemed so powerful in her persona. Why would she need to cheat?

But she did, although she was sent to prison not for steroid use, but for perjury. Now the Los Angeles native gets to talk about her experiences in "Marion Jones: Press Pause" (ESPN, 8 tonight) directed by Los Angeles native John Singleton (that's him in the photo).

The documentary is part of ESPN's excellent "30 for 30" series. Unfortunately, of the ones I've seen, it's one of the weaker entries.

"Boyz n the Hood" director gives Marion Jones "30 for 30" treatment

For TV viewers seeking an escape from Tuesday's mid-term election coverage, the next installment of ESPN’s “30 for 30” series will focus on the career of Marion Jones.

The former UNC track and basketball standout said the program, which is scheduled to air Tuesday at 8 p.m., was produced by John Singleton, whose movie “Boyz n the Hood” was nominated for an Oscar.

What to Watch on Tuesday: A high-tech "White Collar" murder mystery

Presidential Address (8pm) - President Obama addresses the nation on the end of combat operations in Iraq. This is airing on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, and Fox News. 

30 for 30: Little Big Men (8pm, ESPN) - A documentary about the 1982 Little League World Series Champions from Kirkland, Washington.

White Collar (9pm, USA) - The head researcher of a tech company is murdered and Peter and Neal (left) take the case. The company's CEO claims the murder was the work of a competitor, but the evidence points to someone within the company. Griffin Dunne guest stars.

Frontline: Law & Disorder (9pm, UNC-TV) - "Frontline," ProPublica and the New Orleans Times-Picayune look into allegations that New Orleans police officers used deadly force against New Orleans citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and then attempted to cover up their actions. Read more about the documentary here.

Flipping Out (9pm, Bravo) - Jett brings his newborn baby to work, sparking a competition between Jeff and Zoila to see who can be the best babysitter. Bet your boss doesn't do that. Also, Jeff is renovating the landmark Casa Vega restaurant, but is irritated when the owner insists on keeping it open during the work. 

What to Watch on Tuesday: Season finales for "Hawthorne," "Memphis Beat"

30 for 30: Jordan Rides the Bus (8pm, ESPN) - An ESPN documentary about baseketball superstar Michael Jordan's flirtation with a professional baseball career. Read more in this review.

America's Got Talent (9pm, NBC) - The 12 semi-finalists perform, hoping for a spot in the top 10. The Carrboro dancer should be on tonight.

Shaq Vs. (9pm, ABC) - Shaq challenges hot dog-eating champ Joey Chestnut to a competitive eating contest.

Hawthorne (9pm, TNT) - In the season 2 finale, a construction accident causes an explosion, creating chaos at the hospital.

Memphis Beat (10pm, TNT) - Season 1 ends with Dwight (Jason Lee, right) investigating the shady past of a man with amnesia, and suspects the man may have ties to a cold case involving the murder of a little girl. Also, Lt. Rice faces financial difficulties after her husband steals a large sum of cash.

Rachel Zoe Project (10pm, Bravo) - Rachel styles Cameron Diaz and Demi Moore for the Oscars, and Brad stresses out during his first Fashion Week without Taylor.

Michael Jordan's baseball days revealed in "Jordan Rides the Bus"

It almost seems like a fever dream now, but 17 years ago Michael Jordan quit the Chicago Bulls after three championships and embarked on a career in baseball.

On Tuesday night at 8 on ESPN, "Bull Durham" director Ron Shelton explores that time in the fine documentary "Jordan Rides the Bus," as part of ESPN's stellar "30 for 30" series. (To celebrate the network's 30th anniversary, well-known filmmakers have made documentaries examining key moments in the last 30 years of sports.)

There's been some mystery around Jordan's decision, mostly of the swarmy kind. What's true is that Jordan made the decision after his father's murder in Robeson County (a crime now caught up in the SBI lab scandal); Jordan said then that playing baseball was a dream he and his father shared.

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